LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada is vowing to get the Bureau of Land Management to reverse a moratorium on building new solar plants on federal land.

The agency recently enacted the moratorium after concluding it needed to study the environmental impacts of such plants. Reid wasn't notified in advance -- even though Nevada is comprised largely of federal lands and is a prime solar destination because of its sunny, open terrain.

Reid, a Democrat, has been pushing alternative energy and helped open a solar manufacturing plant in Las Vegas this week.

Spokesman Blair Hinderliter says Reid will try to get the BLM decision overturned this year.

A BLM spokesman did not immediately return a call seeking comment.